Paraeducator/General Education Classroom Aide

PURPOSE OF POSITION 

To assist students by performing paraprofessional duties including academic instruction, physical education instruction, social skills instruction, behavioral modification and management, preparation of instructional materials, clerical tasks, and related duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISION 

Receives general supervision from certificated staff.

TYPES OF ASSIGNMENTS - Paraeducators are assigned to a variety of grade levels and a variety of settings, including, but not limited to general education classes and as one-to-one support assistance to students. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following; 

the specific duties performed will vary depending on the assignment: 

Implement academic instruction under the direct and indirect supervision of the classroom teacher to individuals or small groups of students in reading, written language, mathematics, science, and social sciences. Also assist with instruction in social/emotional, fine and gross motor skills, and language and communication skills. 

Provide curriculum modification for students in the general education setting, including support with research activities and special projects. 

Assist with the implementation of communication and social skills programs.

Observe students; answer questions; give individual assistance; counsel and calm students as needed. 

Assist in carrying out behavior modification programs and assist teacher with classroom management and discipline. May occasionally be required to de-escalate potentially violent situations involving students who demonstrate aggressive, defiant behaviors. 

Assist students and teachers in the use of computers including instructional software, keyboarding, and word processing. 

Assist in supervising students during playground activities, bus loading and unloading, field trips, and other activities. 

Assist teacher in preparation of instructional materials and learning activities.
Assist teacher with routine clerical duties including grading papers and logging assignments. 

Collect and record data in order to monitor student’s progress. Maintain confidentiality of student information. 

Assist in preparing bulletin board materials and decorating classroom; assist in maintaining a neat, orderly, and attractive learning environment. 

Collect, assemble, and distribute textbooks, learning materials, supplies, equipment, and resource materials; assist in ordering instructional materials as directed.

Operate audiovisual equipment, copy machines, and other equipment that is related to the instructional program. 

Attend and participate in staff, professional development, and team planning meetings as required. Attend non-violent crisis intervention training (CIT) and behavior intervention training as required. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS 

The position requires the ability to see for purposes of performing essential job duties, observing students and reading instructional materials, tests, student records and other printed matter; understand speech at normal levels in person and on the telephone; communicate so others will be able to clearly understand a normal conversation in person and on the telephone; operate audiovisual equipment, computer, copy machine and other office and classroom equipment with dexterity; occasionally lift/carry supplies and printed materials weighing up to 25 pounds. The duties are performed in a classroom and on school grounds with prolonged periods of standing and walking to work with and assist students. There is frequent bending, crouching, kneeling, and sitting on the floor to interact with students, pushing/pulling equipment, and reaching in all directions. There may be incidents of exposure to bodily fluids. Some assignments may require driving a vehicle to conduct work, as assigned, including transporting students in a personal or district vehicle. 

QUALIFICATIONS
Licenses/Certificates: Some positions may require possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s License and automobile insurance coverage. 

Experience/Training: Any combination of education, experience, and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would include graduation from high school and experience working with students. Additional college course work and specialized training in child care, psychology/guidance, behavior modification techniques, instructional technology, child development, or a related field are preferred. 

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: Knowledge of appropriate techniques for the instruction of students; the general purposes and goals of public education; general methods of education and teaching; techniques to control and motivate students; student behavior and characteristics; core academic subject areas, including mathematics, science, English, and social sciences, at a level appropriate to assignment; computer equipment; and word processing and data base programs. 

Ability to learn instructional terminology, program philosophies, concepts, materials, methods and procedures; assume responsibility for assisting in the supervision of students in special education; recognize potential limitations of students and encourage their participation in educational and occupational programs and activities with patience and compassion; utilize or quickly learn to utilize word processing, data base, and other computer programs used at the site to which assigned; assist students with their lavatory needs; read, write, and understand the English language; maintain records; operate or learn to operate equipment used as educational aids; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; remain calm in stressful situations; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Salary : $27 - $31